This article is designed to guide you on how to enroll for self-assessment online if you’re self-employed. This process is straightforward, free, secure, and devoid of having to print any forms. Let us start by highlighting some essential points about self-assessment.
Contents
Effortless Self-Employed Registration Guide
Self-assessment is necessary if you’re self-employed and your earnings exceed £1,000, and taxes have not yet been deducted. As a self-employed individual, you may have people working under you, but you’re the individual accountable for the business and any losses. Whether you’re a freelancer, contractor, consultant, seasonal worker, coach, content creator, or any other profession, if your revenue exceeds £1,000 and is not already taxed, you need to enroll for self-assessment and complete a tax return. Voluntarily, you can register as self-employed even if your revenue is £1,000 or less, and then pay Class 2 National Insurance voluntarily or record any losses.
Getting Started
To use HMRC online services, it is compulsory to have a government Gateway account. If you already possess one, have your user ID and password close by. If not, you’ll need to create new sign-in credentials on the gov.uk site. After this step, select the self-assessment option from the business tax account menu and follow the prompts. 
Registration Process
Once successfully logged in, click on the link “Get online acces to a tax, duty or scheme”.
Then, select the box that indicates you are an individual or sole trader and that you’re self-employed.
As a new registrant, you can select “No” if asked whether you have a self-assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR).
Now, select “Individual or Sole Trader”.
Then select “Yes”, if you are a self-employed.
Check de Self assessment box, then choose “Next”.
Choose the first displayed option as your business type and then enter the date you began self-employment.
Then, enter the date you start working for yourself.
Then make sure you got the National Insurance number and the contact details ready.
If you have an accountant, bookkeeper, or tax agent who will be overseeing your registration, there is an option to delegate your registration.
Prepare your National Insurance number and contact details, follow the displayed checklist, and fill in the required sections.
Updating Personal and Business Information
Fill in your personal details, then select next.
Now, fill in your contact details and then clic “Next”.
Check the information of your personal details, if there is any error in the information, click on the following link “Change personal information”. If everything is correct, click on “Next”.
Proceed to enter your business details. Confirm if your business address is identical to your home address.
Provide your business contact details as well as your email address for registration receipt.
After carefully verifying all submitted details, move to the next stage.
Final Submission
Ensure that every required section is filled.
Once you confirm all information is correct, you complete the process.
An acknowledgment page will display confirming your submitted application, which contains important links and data.
Always remember to pay your tax by the 5th of October in the tax year following the one in which you became self-employed. Keep in mind also to submit your tax return and clear any pending tax by the 31st of January or earlier.
This effortless self-employed registration guide offers a streamlined pathway for individuals to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. By simplifying the registration process, it encourages aspiring self-employed professionals to pursue their dreams without the burden of bureaucratic hurdles. With clear steps and accessible resources, this guide empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of self-employment with confidence and ease.
